The answer is: Elymas

Acts 13:8

During Paul’s first missionary journey, on the island of Cyprus, he encountered an intriguing figure named Elymas—a sorcerer or magician whose name literally means "sorcerer." Elymas wasn’t just any old trickster; he had influence over people and sought to divert the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, from hearing Paul and Barnabas. Acts 13:8 describes him as actively opposing the truth, reflecting a common tension in the early church between emerging Christian faith and established pagan practices.

Paul's reaction to Elymas is fascinating. Not only does he confront him, but he also declares a divine curse upon him, causing him to be temporarily blinded. This dramatic miracle serves a dual purpose: it showcases the power of the gospel and illustrates the potential consequences of opposing it. Fun fact: the proconsul, after witnessing this display of divine authority, becomes a believer—a kind of victory lap for Paul, showing that the light of truth can triumph over the darkness of deceit.

Elymas's story serves as a striking parallel to other biblical encounters with deceit and manipulation, such as Pharaoh's magicians in Exodus who attempted to challenge Moses. These echoes in scripture help us understand that opposition to grace often leads to enlightenment and transformation. Paul’s decisive action isn’t just about rebuking a sorcerer; it embodies the broader struggle between faith and falsehood—a theme prevalent throughout the biblical narrative.